Gift goes both ways at adoption event

WALLA WALLA — There’s a lot going on this day at Blue Mountain Humane Society, what with a staff training in session, seasonal decorations blinking and fluttering and a photographer snapping away.

Minnie Too, however, remains Buddha-like through it all.

At 19 pounds, the 4-year-old cat is in no hurry to exit the chair she is commandeering in Sara Archer’s office, delicately sneezing the executive director’s scent out of her nose.

Minnie Too recently arrived at the shelter when her owner could no longer take care of her, Archer said. The cat — sporting a fetching shaved coat with lioness styling — joins 60-plus animals in waiting, waiting, waiting for Saturday.

That’s when doors open at 10 a.m. for the annual Blue Mountain Humane Society’s “Home for the Holidays” adoption event, where all good doggies and kitties see their wishes come true.

That’s the hope, Archer said. To help with adoption fees, already reduced for the day, there will be a stocking to draw additional discounts out of. Those can range up to 100 percent off, in celebration of what looks like a banner adoption year that has already seen 479 cats and 532 dogs go out the door to new lives.

“We have totally blown our record out of the water,” said Nikki Raver, customer service manager, citing the 2011 total of 1,027 adoptions.

The number might be higher for now, but Christmas is coming early to 7 E. George St.

On Saturday, kittens will be $20, cats, $10, small dogs will cost $50 and large dogs, $30. The shelter’s Adopt-a-Buddy program will be active, netting each adoptive family two pets for the price of one if they choose that option.

While “Home for the Holidays” is a gift to the animals that get new owners, people should never adopt pets on behalf of anyone other than their own family, Archer cautioned. “A pet is not a gift, it’s a commitment. If you’re adopting for someone else, get a gift certificate. We’ll also have those available at the special prices.”

Whoever adopts Minnie Too, for example, will need to be prepared to help the feline shed about eight pounds, she pointed out. “She’d be perfect for an older person.”

Be warned: Minnie Too hates other cats, evidenced by vigorous hissing activity as soon as Carl the orange tabby, comes into view.